Dancing in Style – Meet our New Model
In this blog, our own Barb Wilkins shares the story of how she found our newest Diane Kennedy model.
Gia Holman has been teaching lyrical jazz and contemporary dance, from beginner to professional levels, for nearly forty-five years. These days, she focuses on providing classes for other "mature” dancers who are committed to continuing their training and celebrating their creative spirits for as long as possible.
When I first met Gia, she spoke to me like she knew me. I thought maybe I had forgotten our first meeting, but she was so charming and lovely and I went with it! The next time I saw Gia, she confessed that she thought I was someone else she knew. Basically, we were friends from the start.
By virtue of having similar taste in music, we started running into each other often. I found out that Gia had been a professional dancer and dance teacher her whole life. I was transfixed when she posted photos of herself as a young 20-something, just on the verge of heading to New York to study dance. I then found out Gia is still dancing and teaching adults in the semi-retired phase of her life, which was completely inspiring.
Cut to a work meeting discussing the new Diane Kennedy collection: we spoke about wanting to see the clothes worn by a confident, mature woman who could really move. Gia came to mind right away. I contacted her and asked her if she was interested, and she was excited to try modelling for the first time. The date was set.
Gia admitted to being shy, especially around cameras. I chose some music by a mutual friend of ours, and once the blues started streaming out of the stereo and the camera started clicking, Gia transformed.
She didn’t seem shy at all!
I found it fascinating to see Gia move. It was thrilling to see how well she knew her own body – how it moved and created shapes and lines.
"Lyrical dance is about line, form, and flow of movement –
I find all three elements in Diane's designs.
They are a delight to wear."
~ Gia Holman
Stay tuned to our social media feeds for more photos from our shoot with Gia! Join us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/dianekennedy.ca/) and Instagram (@dianemkennedy).
XOX Barb
P.S. Come see Gia's outfits in person at our Studio Shop this weekend:
- Friday, January 25, 2pm-7 pm
- Saturday, January 26, 11am-5pm
- 1635 Powell Street, Vancouver, BC
Free parking is available right out front or in the parking lot beside The Flag Shop.
